Cavs Corner, Week 22: West Coast wallop

Weekly slate: Loss at Sacramento (123-119); Loss at Phoenix (123-112); Win at Utah (120-91); Win at Portland (122-111).

The latest: The Cavs went 2-3 on their just-concluded western swing, demonstrating neither the shooting acumen nor defensive energy that has defined their season.

• They righted the ship against two non-playoff teams after a season-worst four-game skid.

The big picture: The recent hiccups likely mean Oklahoma City will secure the season's best record and home court advantage in a potential Finals matchup.

🤗 Weekly winner: Head coach Kenny Atkinson, who sensed the team's creeping frustration and playoff impatience during the losing streak.

• He hosted a "fun practice" full of NCAA montages and games of H-O-R-S-E to bring the joy back.

🥶 Weekly loser: Donovan Mitchell, who has gone ice-cold from long range.

• Over the past seven games, he has shot 7-55 (13%) from beyond the three-point line.
• He missed last night's Portland game to nurse a nagging, low-stakes groin strain.

What's next: Thursday vs. San Antonio (7pm, WUAB); Friday at Detroit; Sunday vs. Los Angeles Clippers.